False Information
Source GM Core pg. 13
A critical failure to Recall Knowledge can result in you needing to convey false information, requiring some improvisation. If you aren't careful, this information can be perceived by the PCs as too silly or could derail the game. For example, if a PC misinterpreted text about the god of war, Damoritosh, telling them that they now believe the god is an incompetent coward who rewards the underhanded might be too far-fetched. Similarly, if they incorrectly believe Damoritosh will reward their strength with immortality if they defeat four prominent warrior priests on different planets of the Veskarium, this could send them on a tangent.
Providing false information can cause the PCs to make mistakes, but the consequences should typically be immediate rather than continual or far in the future. Avoid dispensing false information that might not be used for hours or entire sessions after the check is forgotten. If you're unsure, the safest form of false information is information that's wrong but not in a way that causes major consequences. Remember that a critical failure says you get incorrect information, not that you get important-seeming false information. Erroneously believing Damoritosh's symbol is a sword instead of the blades of a doshko might lead to a miscommunication, but one that's not dangerous, easy to clear up, and only a little embarrassing for the PC.
Providing false information can cause the PCs to make mistakes, but the consequences should typically be immediate rather than continual or far in the future. Avoid dispensing false information that might not be used for hours or entire sessions after the check is forgotten. If you're unsure, the safest form of false information is information that's wrong but not in a way that causes major consequences. Remember that a critical failure says you get incorrect information, not that you get important-seeming false information. Erroneously believing Damoritosh's symbol is a sword instead of the blades of a doshko might lead to a miscommunication, but one that's not dangerous, easy to clear up, and only a little embarrassing for the PC.